There’s nothing more beautiful and soothing than sitting in your garden on an Adirondack chair with a
book or enjoying the fresh spring breeze. Jamming with your guitar as the sweet vapours of strawberry
patches and rose bushes provide an ideal retreat. No wonder people are so interested in checking out
outdoor patio furniture sets. Some prefer the old cast aluminum variety whereas others like wooden furniture. In the end, it is your personal taste that influences the selection process.

Most sets include a table, chairs and parasol. But if you want to really settle down for long periods of
reading a favourite book, a long chair is the best bet. You have to cater to the weather as well, so if you
intend to stay outdoors in chilly weather, it’s advisable to invest in a patio heater or you could even get
an outdoor fire place. The style of furniture you select depends on the look to be promoted .The most
common types are plastic (some find it tacky), wood (more conventional), aluminum (utilitarian), wicke
(exotic) and wrought iron (stolid and sturdy).

Old furniture could be converted into patio furniture pieces if you’re not keen on buying a set. However,
wooden furniture suffers the most due to the elements and needs periodic attention. Teak wood is
better as it is more resistant to fungal decay and water related warping. Aluminum is lightweight and
lasts longer though you need to recoat the surface as corrosion begins when the protective coating
peels off. Plastic is more durable though sun damage bleaches it.

Periodic cleaning is imperative in increasing the life of patio furniture. Such cleaning also restores the
luster of the furniture pieces and its aesthetic impact. Tri Sodium Phosphate, soap and water are good
cleaning agents and remove most stains. TSP is useful in getting the painted surface ready for repainting
as well. Commercial cleaners too are a good option. If you intend to do a paint job, it’s best to let the
furniture dry completely as if you sand it, the sand particles linger on the surface. Once you add the ne
coat of paint and let it dry, the paint starts to flake off due to the sand particles.

Tung oil is good for preventing wicker rattan furniture from spoiling. Apply it with a brush on the
exterior as well as under the furniture for best results. A note of caution, though. Do not wash bare
wood with soap and water as the wood takes on a fuzzy aspect. Drying the furniture is important; wipe
it dry thoroughly if there’s no sun. Wax is another good option for protecting your patio set. You can ge
special wax for the set that acts as a UV screen saving the pieces from sun damage. In case the furniture
has deposits caused due to it being left in water, attend to it right away. Rub the entire area with
rubbing compounds and elbow grease. Try cleaning furniture bi-weekly and keep it away from sprinklers if not covered.

Author Bio-

Jeremy is a design consultant and believes that form and function are integral and the most
important parts of a design. He writes about the modern hi tech bathroom products and
bathroom suites that provide complete solutions for bathroom design and interiors.